What is a pretrial hearing?

A pretrial hearing is a hearing that takes place before a trial, where the parties and the court discuss and decide various issues related to the case. The purpose of a pretrial hearing is to streamline the case and make the trial process more efficient.

During a pretrial hearing, the judge may hear arguments from both parties about evidence, witness testimony, and legal issues related to the case. This is also a time when the judge may set deadlines for the parties to produce certain documents or information, such as witness lists or expert reports.

In a criminal case, a pretrial hearing may also be used to determine if the defendant's rights were violated during arrest or interrogation. The judge may also hear arguments about bail, plea deals, or other issues that could affect the course of the trial.

Overall, the purpose of a pretrial hearing is to ensure that both parties have a fair and efficient trial process. It allows the judge to manage the case and make sure that all relevant issues are addressed before the trial begins.